Self-mastery encompasses the ability to exercise control over oneself in any circumstance while consciously and steadily progressing towards personal objectives. It involves a deep understanding of one’s purpose and the possession of self-discipline, allowing actions to be undertaken with purposefulness, focus, and integrity.
Self is where everything begins and ends. It all starts and ends with us, ourselves, exactly as we are. Wherever and however we choose to be, we must choose. We must remain in choice and actively participate in our own life and what we are co-creating alongside others. We must hold governance and power over ourselves in all of our conduct and acts. It is not an instantaneous or immediately-rewarding process, rather, it is a skill built over time with continual effort and underlying intention. To direct one’s aim and relate it back to oneself. In doing so, we remain aligned and honest with who we are and where we are going.
How can we explain this simply?
“Courage, hard work, self-mastery, and intelligent effort are all essential to successful life.” – Theodore Roosevelt
“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” – Maya Angelou
“Those who control others may be powerful, but those who have mastered themself are mightier still.” – Lao Tzu
“It is not possible to control the outside of yourself until you have mastered your breathing space. It is not possible to change anything until you understand the substance you wish to change.” Jeanette Winterson
You’re it. You are why you’re here, doing and being as you are. Your choices and everything in between are why your life resembles itself as so. That is why it is so important to regularly check in and ask: Am I in choice? Is everything happening around me because I made it so? Or, am I at least choosing how I respond to what’s happening around me?
When we think of self-mastery, we may envision individuals who possess unwavering control, focus, and serenity, or those who have a clear plan and a firm grasp on their future. It is not dead-set in this way. Life can be chaotic and there are many pressures and influences we may ultimately have to surrender to and figure out how to work with. But we choose to do so. We must still choose how we respond to what’s going on around us.
Master your emotions, impulses and actions
Reflecting on your own life, do you consistently exhibit these traits? Do you feel empowered and in control of your career and aspirations? Alternatively, like many individuals, do you sense the need to assert greater control over your actions and emotions?
Working towards Self-mastery involves the capacity to exercise self-control in all circumstances, enabling you to progress consciously and steadily towards your goals. It encompasses a deep understanding of your purpose and the self-discipline required to approach tasks with intention, focus, and integrity.
Moreover, self-mastery entails mastering your emotions, impulses, and actions—an indispensable skill if you aspire to accomplish your life goals.
What is the path to Self-Mastery?
There are many skills as well as tools and techniques that help us remain in choice and practice self-mastery.
The major skills of self-mastery can be highlighted as: self-awareness, self-discipline, emotional intelligence, positive thinking, goal setting, time management, and stress management. An active effort towards controlling one’s temperament and guiding one’s life through healthy and sustainable habits and attitudes.
The only way to build self-mastery is to first build wellbeing. Wellbeing is a direct result of wellness: the activities necessary to be and feel well. How we put this into practice is by regularly working and organizing our life per the major domains of wellness: physical, emotional, social, environmental, personal values, intellectual, occupational and financial wellness.
Mindfulness and meditation are two powerful concepts that also help build self-mastery. Meditation means holding fixed attention on an object, concept or focal point and building the skill of concentration. Mindfulness is maintaining awareness of the act we’re in and the implications it has on yourself and others. Regular practice of mindfulness meditation allows us to eliminate the unnecessary and distill ourselves back to the present moment and what we truly and authentically are.
By cultivating self-mastery in the workplace, you demonstrate to your colleagues that you possess the inner strength and steadfastness necessary for effective leadership. Investing time in developing self-mastery is therefore highly worthwhile. Not only will it contribute to your personal happiness and overall balance, but it will also create opportunities that may not have otherwise materialized.
Unlock your full potential
In conclusion, self-mastery is the key to unlocking our fullest potential and achieving our goals with purpose and integrity. It starts with recognizing that we are the architects of our own lives, and every choice we make shapes our reality. It requires continuous effort and a commitment to self-awareness, self-discipline, and emotional intelligence. By mastering our emotions and impulses, we can respond to life’s challenges with wisdom and grace, gaining the trust and respect of those around us.
The journey towards self-mastery involves building overall well-being by focusing on different aspects of our lives, such as physical, emotional, social, and intellectual wellness. Mindfulness and meditation are powerful tools that help us stay centered and fully present, allowing us to eliminate distractions and connect with our authentic selves.
Leadership in the workplace
In the workplace, self-mastery is a vital attribute for effective leadership. Colleagues and peers recognize and value the inner strength and consistency that come with self-mastery. Investing time and effort in developing self-mastery not only leads to personal fulfillment but also opens doors to new opportunities.
In the end, self-mastery is an ongoing process that empowers us to take control of our lives, make conscious choices, and steadily progress towards our aspirations. With courage, hard work, and intelligent effort, we can all cultivate self-mastery and lead successful and fulfilling lives.
